Back Talk: Stop smoking with the help of acupuncture

By By Layne Towery
Nov. 12, 2013 at 5:12 a.m.

Dr. Oz had a acupuncturist on his show that uses acupuncture for drug addictions and smoking. The doctor also said acupuncture works well on any type of acute or chronic pain ... even cancer pain. How does acupuncture work? How many treatments do I need to help me stop smoking? What is the cost? Help.

Acupuncture is an alternative approach to help you stop smoking. It is becoming more and more popular and has a growing number of converts. In fact, acupuncture is often a court mandated treatment for drug addicts.

Many times, acupuncture helps reduce cravings, and alleviates withdrawal symptoms such as the jitters, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, anxiety and difficulty with concentration.

Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the body to release certain neurotransmitters and neurohormones that tell the body certain things or make the body to respond in special ways. It really works well for any type of pain syndrome, including cancer pain.

I recommend six to 10 treatments for smoking cessation. I also suggest you try a special Chinese oil that you smell between treatments to help you with your cravings. Treatments are usually around $50.

Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure for anything, but it is very effective for helping with addiction problems and a variety of pain conditions.

I was lifting some large heavy pot plants and immediately felt severe pain in my neck, upper back and a burning pain that shot down my right arm. My doctor says I pinched a nerve and to take Advil. He refuses to prescribe any pain medication. He says I need to go to pain management for pain pills. Pain management will not see me without a $1,500 MRI. I have no insurance. Can chiropractic or acupuncture help me? What can I do at home for relief?

First of all, when you hear that you have a "pinched nerve," you should immediately think of a chiropractor - that is our specialty. We see your type of problems every day.

You have overloaded your body and have the brachial nerve entrapped (pinched) in the lower neck. If left untreated, it can give you horrible pain. The first thing you need to do is to start icing the base of your neck as frequently as you can for 30 minutes at a time. Aleve gel caps is usually what I recommend for inflammation.

Many doctors refuse to give pain pills out to patients because of liability issues. Because people abuse pain medications, most doctors refuse to give it to the patients that really need them. They refer you to pain management because they deal with pain medications everyday.

If you really need an MRI, you can usually get one done for around $600 cash. Trust me, chiropractic and acupuncture will offer you the best chance at getting better at a fraction of the cost. Please let me know you get this.

Layne Towery is a Victoria chiropractor and acupuncturist and can be reached at towerygl@yahoo.com or 361-570-6284.